Communication apparatus (other) imports in South Africa: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of communication apparatus (other) by South Africa reached $38.2 million in 2024 (2.0 thousand tonnes). Value fell 10% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 7% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $65.3 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $38.2M | 2.0K t |
| 2023 | $42.6M | 177 t |
| 2022 | $42.9M | 196 t |
| 2021 | $34.6M | 186 t |
| 2020 | $25.4M | 181 t |
| 2019 | $27.0M | 231 t |
| 2018 | $33.2M | 235 t |
| 2017 | $65.3M | 337 t |
Where South Africa imports communication apparatus (other) from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 57% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+35% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $21.7M | 57% |
| United States | $5.0M | 13% |
| Malaysia | $1.4M | 3.5% |
| Taiwan | $1.2M | 3.1% |
| Germany | $908K | 2.4% |
| New Zealand | $829K | 2.2% |
| United Kingdom | $770K | 2% |
| Romania | $735K | 1.9% |
| Thailand | $716K | 1.9% |
| Greece | $679K | 1.8% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $18.90 per kg, 83% below the world average of $114.21, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Communication apparatus (other) exports from South Africa
In 2024, South Africa exported communication apparatus (other) worth $15.0 million (70 tonnes). Most of it went to Namibia (15%), Zambia (10%), Botswana (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 33%. Among the main buyer markets, Rwanda grew fastest (+270% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $2.2M | 15% |
| Zambia | $1.5M | 9.9% |
| Botswana | $1.2M | 8% |
| Eswatini | $1.2M | 7.9% |
| Lesotho | $891K | 5.9% |
| Mozambique | $805K | 5.4% |
| Malawi | $660K | 4.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $438K | 2.9% |
| United States | $418K | 2.8% |
| Rwanda | $378K | 2.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa communication apparatus (other) imports (HS 8517.69): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 8517.69: Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations): machines for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), n.e.c. in item no. 8517.6.
Common questions
What is the value of communication apparatus (other) imported by South Africa?
South Africa imported communication apparatus (other) worth $38.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 40th of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply communication apparatus (other) to South Africa?
China was the largest supplier with 57% of the value ($21.7 million), followed by the United States (13%) and Malaysia (4%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 77 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 188% on the year.
What is the average import price of communication apparatus (other) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $18.90 per kg in 2024, 83% below the world average of $114.21 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of communication apparatus (other) to South Africa changed since 2017?
Imports went from $65.3 million in 2017 to $38.2 million in 2024, a fall of 41%. The peak was 2017 at $65.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $38.7 million a year.
Does South Africa also export communication apparatus (other)?
Yes. South Africa exported $15.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, Zambia and Botswana. On balance South Africa is a net importer of this product, by about $23.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for communication apparatus (other)?
The HS code for communication apparatus (other) is subheading 8517.69. It sits in HS chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8517 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World communication apparatus (other) trade: top importers and exporters
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